Destiny needs a miracle

Destiny is my 15 year old niece. She is a bright, beautiful girl full of love and laughter. She loves dance classes, playing the clarinet in her high school band and she adores her 8 year old brother.

Destiny has Familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). This is an inherited heart condition characterized by thickening of the heart muscle. Familial HCM can have serious consequences such as life-threatening arrhythmias, heart failure and an increased risk of sudden death. Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and may include medications, surgical procedures and/or an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator.

On the night of Wednesday, December 18th, Destiny’s heart failed and she went into cardiac arrest. She was resuscitated but her brain was without oxygen for several minutes. It is possible that she may have suffered permanent brain damage, but we will not know for sure for at least 72 hours. Currently, her heart is stable and beating strong. She is in a medically induced coma but is now breathing on her own. However, she does not have any higher brain function at this time. If she recovers without permanent brain damage, she will need to have an implant placed for her heart.

All funds raised will go directly to Destiny’s parents to cover medical costs and help offset the cost of travel, hotels to stay nearby, food and loss of work. Thoughts and prayers for a Christmas miracle of a full recovery.

We love you Destiny!